After he’d finally reclaimed Angel by shooting a threatening look at the man who approached her, he tucked her arm in his, and strolled the room. Nate leaned close to her ear. “I think we should leave.”
“What are you talking about? We’ve only been here an hour.”
“I still think we should leave. And how in heaven’s name can you forget to put on drawers?”
Angel burst out laughing, causing a few people in their vicinity to turn and stare. She tapped a finger against her lips. “I don’t really know.” She regarded him thoughtfully. “I guess it simply slipped my mind.”
Before he could open his mouth, a soft feminine voice purred next to him. “I think it’s time you danced with your hostess, Nate.” Lucy slipped her arm into his, and moved in front of him. Her emerald green gown showed more bosom than was proper. Beneath her red hair, pulled into a tight chignon, a diamond necklace sparkled around her slim neck. Matching earrings dangled from her ear lobes. If it wasn’t for the cold eyes, she would be an exquisite woman. But the hardness in her face detracted from her beauty.
“Sorry, Lucy, Angel’s not feeling well. I think we must leave.”
Angel frowned, her mouth agape as Eli Benson joined the group. “Nonsense, the lady looks wonderful.” He bent over her hand and kissed it. “Are you truly not feeling well, Mrs. Hale?”
“Merely a bit warm, but I feel fine.”
He turned to Nate. “May I have a dance with your lovely wife?”
“Sure.” He muttered as Lucy grabbed him, and led him to the dance floor as the orchestra started another waltz. Sighing, he took her in his arms and led them around the room. Distracted, he watched Angel and Eli. He twisted Lucy around so he could measure the distance between his wife and her host. And where, exactly, were the man’s hands?
“Nate, what are you doing? You’re making me dizzy.”
“Oh, sorry. I was just, um nothing.”
“Are you having a good time?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Did you notice how nice everything looks? It took a lot of work to get everything ready.” Lucy frowned as Nate kept looking around the room.
“What is it you’re looking for?” she snapped.
He glanced down at her, surprised to find her in his arms. What did she say?
Now that she had his attention, she prattled on. “You have no idea how difficult staff can be when you’re trying to put together a large party. They have to be told absolutely everything. And if I didn’t keep after them, nothing would have been ready on time.”
He nodded, glancing sideways, trying hard to spot his wife without Lucy noticing his inattention.
Lucy blew out a breath, and as soon as the last notes faded away, turned to him. “I’m feeling a bit dizzy, do you mind walking me out to the garden for a breath of fresh air?”
Across the dance floor, Eli bowed to Angel and kissed her hand. They separated, going in different directions. Angel shook her head no at another gentleman, and took a seat, fanning herself. It seemed safe to leave his drawers-absent wife for a minute. He hoped Lucy wasn’t up to no-good.
“Isn’t it a beautiful night?” Lucy sighed as they strolled down the stone steps leading to the well-kept garden.
“Yes, it’s very nice. Listen, Lucy, should I get you a cup of punch?”
Lucy clamped her lips in a firm line. “No, I merely needed a bit of air. I’ll be fine if you stay with me for a few minutes.” She turned to face him, and rested her head on his chest.
“Is something wrong?” He kept his arms at his side, and leaned away so he could see her face.
She stomped her foot. “Oh, everything is wrong.”
“Maybe I should get your aunt to come out here and stay with you.”
“No. I don’t want my aunt.” She clasped his forearms and shook him slightly. “I don’t understand how you could marry that woman, when you must have known I was attracted to you, and available.” She stepped closer. “Is it because while I was away you couldn’t control your manly urges?”
Nate almost swallowed his tongue. “Lucy, that’s no way for a young lady to talk.”
She ran her tongue around her lips. “I’m not the same young lady as last year, Nate. I had some, well, experiences in Europe.” She trailed her finger in a circle on his chest. “I know all about men’s urges, and women’s as well. I know if you gave me the chance, I would satisfy you.”